As the weather warms up, Washingtonians flock outdoors. With summer being the peak season for recreation in the state, trailheads are bustling with activity!
The US Forest Service Cle Elum Ranger District contains some of the state’s most popular trails, playing host to hikers, bikers, hunters, anglers, equestrians, and trail runners. Though this district is one of the most heavily used in the region, it doesn’t receive the funding it needs to support its growing popularity.
With so many people exploring the landscape, there’s a lot for visitors to navigate: Which trails allow which activities? What passes are required? What trails are closed due to fire or other reasons? How do you share the trail safely and respectfully?
That’s where the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust’s Summer Trailhead Ambassadors come in.
About the Program
This season of volunteering is better than ever! Volunteers will work alongside Greenway Trailhead Ambassador Technicians to support recreators. From June to September, volunteers will be stationed at popular trailheads and trails, where they’ll welcome visitors, help them find the right trails, and provide them with resources—all while enjoying gorgeous scenery.
Volunteer shifts will be four-hour blocks on Saturdays and Sundays. To help the program run smoothly, we ask each volunteer to commit to a minimum of two shifts per season. Available dates and locations will be posted below, and on our events calendar.
Volunteers must prepare before their first shift by completing a one-hour online training, where they’ll learn:
- More about the Trailhead Ambassador program
- What visitors need and what challenges we’re helping address
- Specific Leave-No-Trace priority messages
- Friendly strategies and scripts for engaging visitors
- What to expect during a shift, including setup and support
Ready to get started? Fill out the interest form below and you’ll receive more information and access to the online training.
Summer Volunteer Locations
Below are the trailheads where Summer Trailhead Ambassadors will serve alongside Greenway staff this season. All are located in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest’s Cle Elum Ranger District, in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, a favorite area for visitors across Washington State.
Rachel Lake Trailhead
The Rachel Lake Trailhead is a popular access point for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, specifically for Rachel Lake, Alta Mountain, and Rampart Lakes. It’s a popular backpacking location because of its proximity to Seattle, stunning views of nearby cascade peaks, and glittering lakes. Trailhead Ambassador volunteers will help backpackers understand how to use Leave No Trace principles to minimize impacts and keep this area enjoyable for all.
Pete Lake Trailhead
Pete Lake Trailhead is an unassuming trailhead next to the popular day-use areas of Cooper Lake. It is popular among hikers, equestrians, runners, and even hunters. It provides access to Pete Lake, Spectacle Lake, Lemah Meadows, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Polallie Ridge Trail. With so many activities happening at once, volunteers play a big role in helping everyone understand which trails match their activity and how to share them respectfully.
Esmeralda Trailhead
Esmeralda Trailhead is a popular access point for Mt. Stuart, Lake Ingalls, Mt. Ingalls, Longs Pass, and Lake Ann, and is known for its larches in the fall. It offers a variety of intermediate to difficult trail options with spectacular views.
Tucquala Meadows Trailhead
Tucquala Meadows Trailhead, also commonly known as Cathedral Pass or Deception Pass Trailhead, is a packed trailhead in the summer, providing trail access to a wealth of gorgeous wilderness destinations like Deception Pass, Cathedral Pass, Hyas Lake, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Why Should You Get Involved?
Every year, Washington’s trails and public lands face increased pressure from the region’s growing population, while public land management staffing and budgets continue to shrink. Becoming a Trailhead Ambassador is a great way to directly give back to the outdoor places you love while meeting new people, gaining new skills, and spending time in beautiful places! We strive to make the program fun and easy for anyone to participate. Here are a few reasons you may want to get involved:
- A more seamless, well-supported volunteer experience – Work alongside seasoned staff members, no previous experience needed! We train you, pair you with a staff member, and provide everything you need for a successful shift.
- A meaningful way to support public lands. Support the health of landscapes and people by giving visitors the tools to recreate safely and responsibly.
- Level up your skills, confidence, and outdoor knowledge. Our short online training gives you all the information you need. You’ll gain transferrable skills through this experience and have the opportunity to network with land managers and outdoor recreation organizations.
“I volunteer with a few organizations, and I think the Greenway’s Trailhead Ambassador program is one of my favorites! I’m excited for next year!”
Trailhead Ambassador Shifts
Please be sure to submit the interest form and complete the online training prior to signing up for shifts.
